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Thud Pilot


Subdeacon Joe

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7 hours ago, MizPete said:

"Thud" and "pilot" should never be in the same sentence.

 

My thoughts, EXACTLY!! :lol:

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Several things contributed to a high loss rate of "Thuds" in Viet Nam:  One was the fact that the bird was designed as a supersonic tactical nuke delivery system, whereas in the SEA theater, it was loaded down with a lot of external ordnance that slowed it down and limited its maneuverability if jumped by MiGs of various models.  To survive, the Thud pilot often had to salvo his ordnance load,  which made his plane far less effective.  The other thing that was bad news was the stupid operational schedules where the pilot was forced to fly the same "route pack", and the same altitude, at the same time of day!  As a result, in many instances, all the NVA SAM and AAA had to do was look at their watches and salvo their anti-aircraft ordnance!  :angry:

God Bless the Thud drivers! :FlagAm:

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1 hour ago, Trailrider #896 said:

The other thing that was bad news was the stupid operational schedules where the pilot was forced to fly the same "route pack", and the same altitude, at the same time of day! 

 

A point made several times in the film.

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